Trail Auto Body

  I want to take my vehicle to Trail Auto Body, but the insurance company said I have to take it to their preferred shop; is that true?

A:  NO!  It is against the law for an insurance company or agent to tell you where to get your vehicle repaired.

  My insurance said if I went to your shop I would not have a warranty, is that true?

A:  This is commonly used to get you to choose the insurance company’s shop.  For a body shop to meet an insurance company’s requirements to be on their list, they must offer a limited lifetime warranty.  Trail Auto Body offers a limited lifetime warranty as well, and in no way does this change the insurance company’s legal responsibilities.

  Does your shop use new factory parts?

A:  YES!  Trail Auto Body’s preference is to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts; however your insurance company may only pay for aftermarket (A/M), like kind and quality (LKQ), and/or recycled, remanufactured or used parts.  Check your policy and ask your service advisor if you have any questions.

  How long will repairs take?

A:  Ask your service advisor for an estimated length of repair time.  Your insurance company calculates rent cars based on averages and formulas.  Unfortunately we repair cars on a case by case basis and not all repairs fall into the formulas or averages.  Shops gain nothing and actually lose production by keeping a vehicle too long.  Our goal is to keep your vehicle only as long as it takes to do a safe, quality repair.

  Who pays what?

A:  It is the insurance company’s responsibility to pay each claim less the deductible stated in your policy which you agreed to, if you are using your insurance.  If you are a claimant on another person’s policy, they should pay the entire claim within that company’s guidelines.  Any deductible or betterment is paid by you direct to Trail Auto Body.

Any additional work that is requested by you or required that is not covered by the insurance claim is also due in order to pick up your vehicle.  (Any customer pay portion other than deductibles and betterments will be discussed with you prior to work being done).

In all situations it is the customer’s responsibility to provide payment, (even if it is the insurance company’s check), at the time of vehicle pick up!  Your service advisor can help you if you have any questions.  Insurance checks are of no value if not endorsed by all payees, including lien holders.  Taking care of this up front can prevent delays when trying to pick up your vehicle.

  How are rental cars handled?

A:  Rental cars are paid for by the insurance company only if you have been paying for rental coverage on your policy.  Check with your agent to see if you are covered, and for how much per day as this affects the size car you can rent.  Just because you carry “full coverage” does not mean that you have rental car coverage.

If you are a claimant, the responsible insurance company will cover your rental.  Trail Auto Body does not provide rentals and we are not involved in the billing process.  Trail Auto Body will update the rental car agency and insurance companies on the progress of your repairs.